China demands Japan protect Chinese crew's safety: spokesman

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BEIJING, Nov. 8 -- China on Friday demanded that Japan protect the safety and rights of Chinese crew members days after a Taiwanese trawling boat was detained in waters off Kagoshima, Japan, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

"After the incident, the Chinese consulate in Fukuoka got in touch with the Japanese side and demanded Japan protect the safety and legitimate rights of the Chinese crew and handle the case in accordance with the law and in a fair and proper way," spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

Hong's comments came days after a Taiwanese trawling boat with four sailors from the mainland, two sailors from Taiwan and three foreign sailors on board was detained on the pretext of illegal fishing in waters off Kagoshima in Japan on Wednesday.

"The detained Chinese sailors are in good condition," Hong said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese consulate in Fukuoka will keep close watch of the case and offer necessary assistance to Chinese sailors, Hong said.